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Toni Whitt

Toni Whitt, 57, of Fort Smith died Monday, June 24, 2013, in Bentonville. She was born Sept. 19, 1955, in Sacramento, Calif. She practiced law with Collins and Moates Law Firm.

Toni (Loni to her granddaughters) was born in Sacramento to Billie and Papa Sanchez. Soon after, Billie married Kip Swift and formally adopted Toni as his daughter.

Ambitious, precocious and very smart from a young age, she graduated from the University of Arkansas at age 19. She earned her law degree (also from the UofA) just three years later.

She started her legal career working for Legal Services doing pro bono work for the needy in Arkansas who could not afford legal representation. She continued her career doing contract law for companies like Hiram Walker and oil and gas work for large petroleum companies. She also helped to develop real estate projects in Fort Smith, such as Green Pointe Shopping Center.

Toni was one of the most loving and giving people on this planet. She was a Cub Scout leader, homeroom mom, Booster Club supporter, Next Step Day Room contributor, Community Rescue Mission supporter, Altrusa volunteer and a Junior League member. She also loved dogs and was active with the Humane Society, organizing fundraisers to help them build their current facility on Kelley Highway.

She is survived by three sons, Storm Nolan, Kane and Judy Whitt and Josh Hooper, all of Fort Smith; her mother, Billie Smith of Van Buren; and two granddaughters, Abigail and Olivia Whitt.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. today in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith with burial following at Oak Cemetery.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Community Rescue Mission, 310 N. F St., Fort Smith, AR 72901.